Memorable Budgets - 1982, VAT on Children's Shoes

The Children's Shoes Budget

Minister for Finance John Bruton failed to get his budget through the Dáil when a number of independent TDs voted against the Fine Gael-Labour coalition, objecting to proposals to put VAT on children's shoes. This was the first time a government was brought down on a budget vote.

When the Minister for Finance John Bruton appears for his press photo call prior to delivering his budget, Forbes McFall asks him what its main aim is.

Studio Debate on 18% VAT on Shoes and Clothes

Padraigín Ní Mhurchú of the Irish Women Workers' Union and economist John Bristow offer different viewpoints on John Bruton's announcement that there is to be an 18% VAT rate on shoes and clothing.

"This is the Most Important and Difficult Decision of My Life"

Deputies Jim Kemmy and Joe Sherlock give their reactions to the budget. Sherlock announces that he will be voting against the budget while Kemmy says he will go away to think about one of the hardest decisions of his life.

Budget '82 Becomes Election '82

The defeat of the Government over John Bruton's budget means that a general election is now imminent. Budget Day has become the first day of the election campaign. Phil Crotty asks some customers of a Dublin pub for their views on the day's events.